Corporate Social Responsibility

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy.  You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” -author unknown

Today, with more generations in the workforce than ever before, understanding how your organization can be more community-minded is an essential aspect of retaining your employees and creating a culture focused on building relationships, improving employee morale and collaboration. This week I share my conversation with Beverley Baker, Chief Impact Office from the United Way to discuss ways to create volunteer opportunities in your workplace.

Does your organization have an employee volunteer program? Maybe it should.

I’ve been thinking about how we share our time and resources lately. My local SHRM chapter met in early August and we talked about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), specifically Employee Volunteer Programs (EVP). I facilitate a SHRM study group to help HR practitioners prepare for their SHRM certification test. We talk about Corporate Social Responsibility and the maturity curve of organizations as they launch and maintain different programs. Some may view these programs as luxuries but as new generations enter the workforce employers may find themselves scrambling to put together these kinds of opportunities to attract and retain talent. Beverley Baker from United Way of Champaign County shared the following about EVPs, “81% of millennials expect companies to commit to good citizenship. Today’s job seekers want more than paychecks. So, to be a competitive choice among new hires, employers need to have more thoughtful initiatives.”

Volunteering is good for business, too. Research finds that these types of programs Increase employee performance and productivity. Employees who feel their work is purposeful are 5 times more engaged at work.

Baker recommends several strategies to set your business up for a successful EVP.  She advises, “Develop policies – a well crafted policy not only provides legal safeguards by setting clear guidelines but also aligns with other company initiatives and priorities.  This can create a more cohesive work environment where Corporate Social Responsibility and business mutually reinforce each other and are standard operating procedures.”

She also recommends thinking about your program intent. “A key question to explore early in the policy and program creation: is the point of an EVP to create or enhance a culture of service OR is it just a thing you’ll do as a group every so often.”

EVPs can really help a nonprofit business. In the NFP sector, the number one expense is salary and benefits.  When your employees supplement the work at a local nonprofit it has a huge impact on their bottom line.  Baker shared research from Independent Sector, in partnership with Do Good Institute that evaluated the value of a volunteer hour for 2024. In one year that hour value jumped from $31.80 in 2023 to $33.49 in 2024.

Exposing employees to volunteer programs in the workplace can increase their participation in volunteering outside of the workplace. I had the opportunity to spend a year working for the City of Champaign after making a move to this community unenthusiastically (I loved my hometown). That year was revolutionary for me because it allowed me the opportunity to learn more about all of the important work done every day to make this community vibrant and thriving. Every neighborhood has a park and wide sidewalks for bikes, strollers and scooters. The City installs rain gardens to repurpose rainwater. The year I worked there they installed beautiful sculptures throughout the downtown to showcase artists and to make the downtown more appealing. That year transformed how I viewed my new community; it opened my eyes and my heart to all of the wonderful programs and partnerships we have here. 

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy.  You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” -author unknown

If you want to exercise your democracy more than once a year, consider implementing some Corporate Social Responsibility strategies in your organization. I can help develop a volunteer policy and connect you with local resources that are always in need of support.